Batu pahat: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a Bridgetown-registered tanker for anchoring without permission in the waters of Tanjung Segenting, Batu Pahat early today. In a statement today, Batu Pahat Maritime Zone director Maritime Commander Mohammad Zaini Zainal said the vessel was intercepted about 12.8 nautical miles southwest of Tanjung Segenting after its captain failed to produce anchoring documents during an inspection at 12.30 am.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the tanker, en route from Dubai to Vietnam, had earlier called at Port of Tanjung Bruas, Melaka to load 6,894 metric tonnes of tar. It was manned by 18 crew members, including the captain, all Indian nationals aged between 22 and 45, who possessed valid travel documents, he added.

The case is being investigated under Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for anchoring without the approval of the Malaysian Marine Department director-general. 'MMEA will continue to enforce maritime laws and will not hesitate to act against illegal anchoring,' Mohammad Zaini said.